A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Acadia National Park vs. Redwood National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Acadia National Park and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acadia National Park. Although Acadia National Park and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Acadia National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acadia National Park is very popular for its museums and food, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. It is also well known for Cadillac Mountain. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Acadia National Park different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Redwood National Park and Acadia National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Acadia National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Acadia National Park is a national park with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Acadia National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Neither Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park offer decent nightlife.

Acadia National Park doesn't offer many options. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Redwood National Park. The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Both Acadia National Park and Redwood National Park have nice beaches worth visiting.

Acadia National Park has a beach worth visiting. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Redwood National Park. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.


Is Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Redwood National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Neither Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park offer decent shopping options.

Shopping in Acadia National Park can be found for those interested. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Redwood National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Acadia National Park and Redwood National Park are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.


Is Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Is Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Redwood National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Acadia National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Is Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Acadia National Park is a national park with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.


Is Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Redwood National Park

Acadia National Park is a national park with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable national park. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

In either Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than Acadia National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

Families should spend more time in Acadia National Park than Redwood National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Acadia National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Redwood National Park than Acadia National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Redwood National Park that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Redwood National Park than Acadia National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Redwood National Park.


  • How many days in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acadia National Park 1-3 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acadia National Park, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Redwood National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park. It offers something for everyone.

Redwood National Park is a fun place to experience. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

Acadia National Park is a fun place to experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Redwood National Park for five days. Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful park of Redwood National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.

A week in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

You'll find around the beautiful destination of Acadia National Park. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The grand destination of Redwood National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Acadia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $173, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $111. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Acadia National Park and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Acadia National Park


Hotels in Redwood National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Redwood National Park $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Acadia National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Acadia National Park $45
    Redwood National Park $33
Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Redwood National Park $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Redwood National Park $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Redwood National Park, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Acadia National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acadia National Park than you might in Redwood National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acadia National Park Expensive? and Is Redwood National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

Both Redwood National Park and Acadia National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Acadia National Park is a little warmer than Redwood National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is cooler than Redwood National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In October, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Acadia National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite rainy in Redwood National Park. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Redwood National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In April, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)